Texas GOP Vows To Fight Feds Over Energy Regulation

IRVING (AP) – Some state GOP leaders vow to keep fighting the feds over what they call “aggressive” regulations in the energy sector that drives the Texas economy.

Several state lawmakers and energy company officials discussed the oil and gas industry and other topics Thursday at the Irving Energy Summit.

State Rep. Linda Harper-Brown of Irving said there should be a balance between resources and federal regulations to make sure businesses stay and even expand.

For years, Texas has fought ferociously with the feds on environmental regulations. The state has challenged U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rules in court over the past three years, but the federal agency simply side-stepped the state to work directly with industry.